Local Schools Near Harden Oak, Medulla, 33813

The community of Harden Oak in Medulla, FL, falls within the 33813 ZIP code, which is part of Polk County. Medulla is a small, unincorporated area near Lakeland, Florida, and families in this region typically have access to schools in the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near the Harden Oak community, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal assessment.

I’ll focus on public schools zoned for or near the 33813 area, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Since Harden Oak is a specific neighborhood, I’ll base the search on proximity to Medulla and the 33813 ZIP code. Distances are approximate and based on mapping tools.

Public Schools Near Harden Oak, Medulla, FL (33813)

1. Medulla Elementary School

   • Address: 850 Schoolhouse Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 1-2 miles from Harden Oak
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores and student progress)
   • Details: This is likely the zoned elementary school for many residents in Harden Oak. It serves a diverse student population and focuses on foundational skills. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment, though test scores are average compared to state benchmarks.
   • Enrollment: Around 600-700 students (varies yearly)
   • Contact: (863) 648-3515

2. Lakeland Highlands Middle School

   • Address: 740 Lake Miriam Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Harden Oak
   • Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: This middle school serves students in the Medulla and south Lakeland area. It offers various extracurricular activities and has a focus on preparing students for high school. Test scores are slightly above average for the district, with some concerns about consistency in student performance.
   • Enrollment: Around 1,200 students
   • Contact: (863) 648-3500

3. George W. Jenkins High School

   • Address: 6000 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from Harden Oak
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org); B grade (Florida DOE School Grades, recent years)
   • Details: Named after the founder of Publix Super Markets, this high school is known for a strong sense of community and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career academies, and sports programs. Graduation rates are above the district average, though standardized test scores are mixed.
   • Enrollment: Around 2,200-2,500 students
   • Contact: (863) 648-3566

   Additional Nearby Public Schools

   If families in Harden Oak are outside the immediate zoning for the above schools or seek other options, here are additional nearby schools within a reasonable driving distance (5-10 miles):

   • Scott Lake Elementary School
   • Address: 1140 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: About 5 miles
   • Type: Public Elementary (Grades PK-5)
   • Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)

   • Details: Another option for elementary students, with a focus on community engagement. Test scores are below state averages.

   • Bartow High School (if outside George Jenkins zoning)

   • Address: 1270 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
   • Distance: About 10-12 miles
   • Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: An alternative high school for some in the southern Polk County area, with a mix of academic and vocational programs.

   Private Schools Near Harden Oak, Medulla, FL

   For families interested in private education, here are a couple of options within a 10-mile radius:

4. Resurrection Catholic School

   • Address: 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL 33813
   • Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Type: Private Catholic (Grades PK-8)
   • Rating: Not widely rated on public platforms like GreatSchools, but parent reviews on Niche often praise the small class sizes and faith-based curriculum.
   • Tuition: Approx. $6,000-$8,000 per year (varies; contact school for current rates)
   • Contact: (863) 644-3931

5. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Type: Private Christian (Grades PK-12)
   • Rating: Highly regarded locally; often rated 4.5/5 on Niche for academics and college prep.
   • Details: One of the largest private schools in the area, offering a comprehensive curriculum with a Christian worldview, strong athletics, and arts programs.
   • Tuition: Approx. $10,000-$12,000 per year (varies by grade)
   • Contact: (863) 688-2771

   Charter Schools Near Harden Oak

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with specialized programs. Here’s an option nearby:

6. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance: Approximately 8-10 miles
   • Type: Public Charter (Grades 7-12)
   • Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org); often receives an A grade from Florida DOE
   • Details: Known for its technology focus and rigorous academics, this school is highly competitive with a lottery-based admission system. It’s a popular choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools.
   • Enrollment: Limited; application required
   • Contact: (863) 499-2818

   Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and other metrics, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., teacher quality, school culture). Florida DOE grades (A-F) are another benchmark, focusing on student achievement and growth. Check both for a fuller picture.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on exact address. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ zoning tool (available on their website, www.polkschoolsfl.com) or call the district at (863) 534-0500 to confirm which schools serve Harden Oak specifically.
   • School Choice: Polk County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zone if space is available, including magnet and charter programs.
   • Updates: School performance and demographics can shift yearly. Visit the Florida Department of Education website (www.fldoe.org) or individual school websites for the latest report cards.

   Additional Resources

   • Polk County Public Schools Website: www.polkschoolsfl.com (for zoning, calendars, and registration)
   • GreatSchools.org: For parent reviews and detailed ratings
   • Niche.com: For community feedback and private school rankings

   If you have a specific address within Harden Oak or want details on a particular school (e.g., programs, extracurriculars, or special needs support), let me know, and I can refine the search. Would you like me to look into daycare options, preschools, or specific academic programs as well?